COVID-19

Image of a teen girl smiling with guidance empowering people to make COVID-19 smart choices

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award. The contents are not an endorsement by CDC/HHS.


Fall and Winter are Respiratory Season

Access Arapahoe County Public Health's easy-to-navigate, comprehensive guide to respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV and flu (también disponible en Español).

The best way to reduce cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other respiratory illness is to prevent it in the first place. Prevention steps to consider include:  

  • Staying up-to-date with immunizations.
  • Staying home when you are sick.
  • Washing your hands frequently.
  • Take steps for cleaner air. 
  • Consider wearing a mask in high-risk or crowded settings.

If you do get sick from COVID-19 or another respiratory virus:

  • Stay home and away from others.
  • Review the symptoms of COVID-19.
  • You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
    • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
    • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). 
  • Take precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hand hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
  • Visit the CDC's website to learn more.

COVID-19 Team members can help address any questions you have about COVID-19, and help connect to community resources such as food, paid leave, and financial assistance programs. Contact us at 303-795-4424 or email COVIDinfo@arapahoegov.com.  

Getting Vaccinated against COVID-19

Keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to prevent serious outcomes, including death, from COVID-19. 

  • All people ages 6 months and older should get their 2023 COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Details on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are on the CDC's website. Adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems may get additional doses of the updated vaccine. The RSV vaccine is recommended for certain age groups, including infants and older adults.
  • The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh any potential risks.
  • According to the CDC, it is safe to receive multiple vaccines at once. That means you can get up to date on seasonal and routine vaccines in one appointment.

Where to get the updated COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine distribution has changed from the federal government to the private marketplace. But free vaccines are still available. Find out where to get vaccinated by what type of health coverage you have, or if you are uninsured.

More information about COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccines for children, is available on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website. 

Getting Tested for COVID-19

Testing remains an important piece of knowing your risk to others and making smart choices to keep you and those you love safe. Getting tested will help inform treatment and next steps to get better and keep your loved ones safe.

Test 5 full days after a known exposure or if you have symptoms of COVID-19. The FDA recommends testing 2–3 times after symptoms begin: right away, on day 3, and on day 5.

You can test yourself for COVID-19 at home, or your healthcare provider can test for flu, RSV and COVID-19. Costs and coverage for these provider tests will vary by your healthcare coverage.

Finding at-home test kits:

  • Test kits are available at your local pharmacy starting around $15 for a 2-pack and are often more affordable when purchased online.
  • Test2Treat Telehealth Program (online) – Individuals who qualify will receive a one-time flu/COVID-19 combination test if you are symptomatic or exposed.  Every eligible family member can be registered in the program to receive test kits.
  • TestToTreat Pharmacy Program – Find COVID-19 tests and treatments using the no-cost testing locatorby searching for tests in your ZIP code. This program provides free testing for uninsured people who have symptoms or were exposed to COVID-19.
  • Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provide free test kits every month to members through participating pharmacies.
Before throwing out test kits: Check to see if the expiration date for your at-home COVID-19 test has been extended. Look up the manufacturer and test name on the FDA website. If your kit is expired, you can throw it out with your trash.


Getting Treatment for COVID-19

Treatment is available to help reduce the severity for COVID-19 and flu. Treatment works best if it is taken within a couple days of getting sick. Talk to your provider to see if you are a good fit for treatment. Having a plan before you get sick will help you get treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment costs and coverage will vary by your health coverage.

  • Medicaid: Treatments are covered without cost through Sept. 30, 2024. 
  • Medicare: Treatments are covered without cost.    
  • Private Insurance: Out-of-pocket expenses vary. Contact your health insurance carrier for details.  
  • Uninsured, or your health insurance does not cover the full cost of the medicine: You may qualify for a patient assistance program. Contact the drug manufacturer’s program for details.

If you are uninsured and don’ have a provider, this list may help: Low-Cost and Discount Medical and Dental Care (en español). If you are on Medicaid and don’t have a provider, Colorado Access’s Member Engagement Team can help you get connected to care.

Reporting Cases and Outbreaks

Arapahoe County Public Health supports health care facilities, schools, businesses, childcare facilities, and community partners with both single cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 as well as general questions.  

Please contact us with questions or to report an outbreak.

We will reach out to answer your questions and discuss the right guidance for you or your facility.

COVID-19 Guidance for Schools and Childcares

Arapahoe County Public Health COVID-19 guidance for schools and childcares is in alignment with CDPHE and CDC guidance. Contact commudis@arapahoegov.com for questions and support.

COVID-19 Data

View Arapahoe County COVID-19 Data: Arapahoe County Public Health tracks county level data including hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccination rates. 

View Statewide COVID-19 data: CDPHE keeps a dashboard with COVID-19 data for all of Colorado. 

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